SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP ECOSYSTEMS IN THE SCIENTIFIC LITERATURE: PATTERNS AND GROUPS, FACTORS AND ECOLOGICAL PROBLEM-SOLVING

Abstract

Research on social entrepreneurship (SE) has increased significantly over the past ten years, with growing interest in the ecosystems that support initiatives to address social problems with innovative solutions. Such ecosystems can facilitate solutions to society’s wicked problems on a much larger scale. However, there is a lack of research on the nature of such ecosystems, the essential players in them and the factors driving their development and sustainability. The current study aims to fulfill this research gap. Based on a systematic literature review, the study analyzes 43 peer-reviewed papers related to SE ecosystems and SE efforts that address environmental problems. It is found that there are at least 24 patterns/ types of SE ecosystems classified into five general groups. Moreover, a diverse set of factors support SE ecosystems and facilitate them to thrive faster and more sustainably. These ecosystems often develop around particular social problems. Using environmental challenges as an example, four groups of significant environmental problems solved by SE ecosystems and SE are identified. The key findings are presented as a comprehensive study framework, which is the basis for a recommended research agenda.